Amy Klobuchar in 2024 MN Senate race

On Principles & Values: Father was a popular columnist at Minneapolis Star Tribune

Klobuchar has been a heavy hitter from the beginning, owing in part to the goodwill attached to her name. Her late father, Jim Klobuchar, was a longtime columnist at The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Republicans would like to find a solid opponent with mainstream views. "What we need to avoid is hurtful unforced errors on the down ballot," [a GOP spokesperson] said. Absent a solid candidate, she said the party's better off not challenging Klobuchar.

In 2018, Klobuchar's last reelection campaign, she won all eight Minnesota congressional districts, beating Republican state Rep. Jim Newberger 60% to 36%.

On Drugs: Rated B by NORML: legalize marijuana, but leave it to states

NORML Politician Info: rated B
• Candidate: Amy Klobuchar (D - MN)
• Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, & REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE
• Biography: In the 10th Democratic Debate, Senator Klobuchar said, "It is realistic to want to legalize marijuana. I want to do that too. I also think you need to look back at people's records. You maybe can't do that on day one, as he said. I think you want a process that you go through because there are too many people that have things on their records that stopped them from getting jobs." The senator went on to say that legalization should be coupled with investments in substance misuse treatment. However, as a Senator, she has not cosponsored any of the bills pending to end federal prohibition.
• Comments: "I support the legalization of marijuana and believe that states should have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders," (February 22, 2019).